STL (file format)

STL (an abbreviation of “stereolithography”) is a file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems.[1][2][3] STL has several after-the-fact backronyms such as “Standard Triangle Language” and “Standard Tessellation Language”.[4] This file format is supported by many other software packages; it is widely used for rapid prototyping, 3D printing and computer-aided manufacturing.[5] STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object without any representatio

STL is the standard file format used for 3D objects. In dentistry this applies to digital impressions. CAD CAM mills, restorative software, 3D printers and more.

Do NOT purchase any 3D system, including CAD-CAM unless it is STL compliant and allows you, the user, to export data to outside systems. In other words is the system interoperable?

The opposite of interoperable is proprietary. Many (maybe most) dental vendors try to sell us proprietary systems which keep us captive,then have the audacity to tell us being their prisoner is in our best interests. Don’t let them do that to you.